The Knicks got it right for once, drafting hometown product Obi Toppin, and the former Dayton power forward was overcome with emotion for them doing so.
Toppin was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but eventually moved to Melbourne, Florida, with his family. Not too long after, though, him, his mother and younger brother moved to Westchester, New York, so he could attend Ossining High School his junior year.
And even though he went to the University of Dayton for college, Toppin has New York roots, and grew up a fan of the Knicks. So when he found out that the team was selecting him with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft on Thursday night, he was overcome with emotion.
Toppin broke down in tears, and delivered a heartfelt speech about how it felt to be landing with the Knicks after the pick was announced.
It’s safe to say the Knicks will be getting full effort from Toppin, who has returned home to play basketball at the professional level.
